January 08, 2014
Fisheries settlement assets allocated
All but two iwi have now collected their commercial fisheries settlement assets.
Te Ohu Kaimoana says the Mandated Iwi Organisation for Horowhenua iwi Muaupoko was recognised during the 2013 financial year.
That means only Ngati Tama ki Taranaki and Te Whanau a Apanui are still to work through the process, nine years after the passing of the Maori Fisheries Act.
Once the population-based portion of the settlement assets is transferred, iwi need to negotiate agreements with their neighbours to collect the coastline-based component of the settlement.
The fisheries settlement trust’s 2013 annual report says 92 percent of the settlement totalling $543 million has now been allocated.
Te Ohu Kaimoanan has been encouraging iwi to be positive about their coastline and harbour agreements, avoiding litigation or delay.
Only the far north iwi are before the Maori Land Court.
There are also disputes in Tamaki Makaurau, Ohiwa Harbour and the East Coast, the lower North Island between Ngati Toa and Te Atiawa, and in the top of the South Island between Ngain Tahu and Ngati Toa Rangatira and Rangitane.
The transfer of assets to iwi was reflected in the balance sheet, with total group assets down $6 million to $230 million.
Chief executive Peter Douglas says with the process of allocating and transferring assets almost completed, the role of the trust is shifting to advising iwi on how to manage their fisheries assets responsibly and profitably, and helping them leverage the influence that can be drawn from Maori collective ownership of quota.
A focus for this year will be the 10-year review provided for in the Maori Fisheries Act 2004, which will consider the governance arrangements of Te Ohu Kaimoana, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, Te Putea Whakatupu Trust and Te Wai Maori Trust, as well as whether iwi should be allowed to sell settlement assets.
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